All Things Recovery: Q&A with Peter

Peter discusses how his life has changed after achieving recovery.

Q: What is the best way to start the day?

A: Above ground, of course. Every day is “Day Zero” for me. You have been given an opportunity to move things forward. Go do it.

Q: What is your motto? And what about this motto appeals to you?

A: Own it. Think big. Don’t sacrifice long-term value for short-term results.

Q: What or who motivates you in your recovery?

A: I am my own motivation for recovery. Although outside influences guide and assist me in recovery, the will for continued recovery must come from within. I must take care of myself first and foremost.

Q: What has been the best part of recovery for you? Why?

A: The insanity in my life has significantly diminished. Life is still crazy, but at least I am not the primary catalyst.

Q: What would you say is the biggest success – professional or personal – you’ve had since leaving Mountainside?

A: Getting to know and accept myself for who I am and who I’m not – something that escaped me prior to seeking help.

Q: What has been your biggest hurdle in recovery and how did you learn to overcome it?

A: Isolation. I have the propensity to isolate myself and repress my emotions, especially when things get difficult. No matter how hectic your schedule is, reach out to someone.

Q: What was the turning point that led you to get help?

A: My brother and sister kidnapping me and taking me to Mountainside under the cloak of darkness might qualify as a turning point. Truth be told, there was no definitive turning point but an awareness that occurred to me while at Mountainside that my method of getting help was not working so well.

Q: What would you like people who are afraid to receive treatment to know?

A: The road to recovery is difficult. Break it down into smaller, manageable components. You have been given the opportunity to recover with others and a trained staff to guide you. You owe it to yourself to at least try it.

Q: What is the best advice you have been given?

A: Give things a moment to digest. Very few decisions and responses must be given immediately. Take a moment to breathe, step back and analyze. When I don’t, I tend to exacerbate the issue at hand.

Q: What brings you the most happiness? Or what makes you laugh most?

A: It may sound a tad cliché, but the greatest happiness comes from the opportunity to learn about myself and explore. I used to spend half my life backtracking and putting things together to present a semblance of order to others. I hold a great passion for aviation and can be found most weekends laughing and learning with others at the local airport.

Special callouts – I want to thank Cupcake, Lora, and Heather, and all my Mountainside alumni and classmates who have been instrumental in my journey forward!